AGP Executive Report

UN Secretary-General Race: Six candidates, including Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, will debate July 23 ahead of Security Council voting—another spotlight on Latin America’s bid for the top UN job. Costa Rica Accountability: Costa Rica’s Junta de Protección Social failed to report beneficiaries properly, with thousands of deceased people showing up in records, raising serious questions about how social aid data is tracked. Public Health & Travel: The U.S. issued a Level 2 notice for chikungunya in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste (Playa Langosta), urging mosquito-bite precautions. Queer Arts Spotlight: Costa Rican pole performer Templo is set to perform at WorldPride 2026, bringing Latin American queer performance to a global stage. Culture & Learning in Costa Rica: Teachers from Battle Academy traveled through Costa Rica’s ecosystems to bring biodiversity and language immersion back to the classroom. Lifestyle & Travel Buzz: Elsa Pataky shared how a Costa Rica-to-New York trip derailed her World Cup plans—then turned into a Times Square celebration. Local Sports Business: Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando is rebranding to Inter.co Stadium, leaning into community connection themes.

Surf & community traditions: The 48th San Clemente Ocean Festival (July 18–19) brought surfers, lifeguards, kids’ events, and beach art together, keeping lifeguarding roots at the center. AI & everyday communication: At Shanghai’s World AI conference, new tools like AR glasses with real-time subtitles highlighted how AI is reshaping cross-language connection. Costa Rica travel health alert: The U.S. issued a Level 2 notice for chikungunya in Guanacaste (notably Playa Langosta), urging visitors to prevent mosquito bites. Film & queer storytelling (Costa Rica): Dos de Patos joined Páramo Films to co-produce Luis Diego Pérez’s queer coming-of-age “The Beast Is Not to Blame,” backed by Costa Rica Media Market recognition. Education in nature: Battle Academy teachers used a Costa Rica fellowship to bring rainforest, cloud forest, and mangrove learning back to the classroom. Pura Vida in the spotlight: Tyler Posey shared honeymoon photos from Costa Rica, leaning into the country’s wellness-and-nature vibe. Youth sports: Costa Rica will debut a youth national team at Youth World Cup New York 2026, giving young players an international stage.

Public Health & Travel: The U.S. CDC has issued a Level 2 travel health notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province after chikungunya cases were reported in Playa Langosta, urging visitors to prevent mosquito bites as the virus can cause fever and severe joint pain. Education & Conservation: Battle Academy teachers used a fellowship to bring Costa Rica’s forests into the classroom, touring rainforest, cloud forest, and mangrove ecosystems to deepen biodiversity and language-immersion lessons. Film & Queer Youth Culture: Costa Rica’s Dos de Patos co-produces Luis Diego Pérez’s queer coming-of-age film “The Beast Is Not to Blame,” set around a First Communion and a friendship that turns painful after a move. Indigenous Media Support: A new call for proposals opens for the Indigenous Community Media Fund, backing Indigenous radio, video, print, and community internet projects across Central America including Costa Rica. Sports & Youth Spotlight: Costa Rica will debut a youth national team at the Youth World Cup New York 2026, giving young players U-10 and U-12 a chance to perform in front of international scouts. Local Heritage & Tourism: A new tourism pier construction begins on San Lucas Island, adding infrastructure as Costa Rica continues to draw visitors to its coasts.

Indigenous Media Funding: Cultural Survival’s Indigenous Community Media Fund opens with an Aug. 9, 2026 deadline, supporting Indigenous radio, TV, print, murals, photography, and even Indigenous women and Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ communicators across Central America including Costa Rica. Youth Sports & Future Talent: Costa Rica will debut a youth national team at Youth World Cup New York 2026 (U-10 and U-12), with at least six matches and group play against Portugal, Luxembourg, and Colombia. LGBTQ+ Nightlife Under Pressure: A new look at why gay bars act as community pillars—and why they’re increasingly at risk. Costa Rica in the Spotlight (Travel): Hapag-Lloyd Cruises teases 2027–28 itineraries that include Costa Rica stops, while Air Canada adds winter routes that connect travelers to the region. Health & Migration: Panama and Costa Rica roll out a binational health card for Ngäbe Buglé migrants to keep vaccination and medical records consistent across borders. Local Culture & Heritage: A Costa Rican “castle” estate story ties colonial-era maritime history to today’s leisure lifestyle. Nicaragua Politics: Daniel Ortega declares elections will never return, deepening authoritarian drift across the region.

Mpox Update (Costa Rica): Health authorities confirmed a third mpox case in Costa Rica—an adult man in Heredia linked to the second case—while all patients are reported in stable condition and following isolation orders. Indigenous Rights & Culture: The Sarayaku community in Ecuador is pushing the government to comply with a 2012 court ruling tied to prior consultation, keeping indigenous stewardship and legal battles in the spotlight. Local Lifestyle & Travel: A Costa Rica–linked trend highlights how “souvenirs” are shifting from store-bought items to hands-on workshops with local artisans, including traditional ox-cart painting. Family & Community Health: UNICEF and PAHO warn that violence against children remains severe across Latin America and the Caribbean, including high rates of violent discipline in homes. Nicaragua Politics: Daniel Ortega declared there will be no more elections, deepening authoritarian concerns and regional instability. Travel Industry (Costa Rica connections): WestJet adds winter routes including Liberia, Costa Rica to Ottawa, reflecting continued demand for Central American travel.

Mpox Watch: Costa Rica’s Health Ministry confirmed a third mpox case, a 37-year-old man in Heredia linked to the second case, currently stable and isolating. UN Leadership: A new analysis frames the 2026 UN Secretary-General race as a test of whether dialogue can survive war, rivalry, climate shocks, and eroding trust. Wellness Tourism: The Vessyl opens in Costa Rica as the world’s first 4D Sound Wellness Resort, pitching nervous-system regulation and nature-led reconnection. All-Inclusive Shift: All-inclusive travel is getting a high-end makeover, with major hotel brands expanding—Costa Rica’s JW Marriott Costa Elena is set to open in September. Road Safety: A Lancet Public Health study reports 51M injuries and 1.34M deaths from road crashes in 2023, with the biggest burden in low- and middle-income countries. Indigenous Rights & Media: Sarayaku leaders push Ecuador to follow a 2012 court ruling, and Cultural Survival’s Indigenous Community Media Fund opens applications for Costa Rica and the region. Climate Pressure: El Niño is deepening, with IMN warning of hotter, drier conditions and major rainfall deficits in parts of the country. Culture on Screen: Costa Rica’s San José hosted a World Cup final festival at La Sabana, turning the city into a community viewing and music night.

Nervous-System Wellness in Costa Rica: The Vessyl opened near Arenal as the world’s first 4D Sound Wellness Resort, aiming to help guests slow down and reconnect through immersive sound, nature, movement, and community. Women’s Sports Spotlight: With Spain winning the men’s World Cup, attention turns to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil (June 24–July 25), a major moment for women’s soccer. Indigenous Media Funding: Cultural Survival’s Indigenous Community Media Fund opened a call for projects, backing Indigenous radio, video, murals, photography, and LGBTQ+ Indigenous communicators across Central America including Costa Rica (deadline Aug. 9). Climate & Water Pressure: Costa Rica’s El Niño outlook is worsening, with drier, hotter conditions expected through early 2027—raising stakes for water and wildfire risk. Coral Reef Protection: A coalition launched “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” to reduce tourism and maritime pressure during the most stressful months for reef recovery. Human Stories Behind the Headlines: Costa Rica is also facing a humanitarian crisis tied to migrant Indigenous children from Panama working in coffee harvests, with risks from hazardous conditions to lack of birth registration. Culture on the Ground: San José’s La Sabana hosted a free World Cup final screening and festival atmosphere, with music, craft fairs, and kids’ activities bringing the match to local life.

Climate & Water: Costa Rica braces for stronger El Niño conditions, with IMN warning of drier, hotter weather through 2026 and uneven impacts—rain deficits hitting the Pacific slope and Central Valley hardest. Marine Conservation: A coalition launches “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” to help corals recover, urging coastal communities and visitors to cut tourism and maritime pressure during the October 2026–February 2027 heat-stress period. Tourism Infrastructure: Construction begins on the new San Lucas Island tourist pier, replacing a deteriorated platform and aiming to improve safer, more accessible arrivals and departures. Human Rights & Children: Reports highlight a humanitarian crisis for indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé children from Panama working coffee harvests in Costa Rica—overcrowded shelters, pesticide exposure, and risks tied to unregistered births. Culture & Community: A Costa Rican film festival spotlighting Afro-Caribbean cinema and female filmmakers is set to feature Costa Rica as it expands its cultural programming. Sports & Viewing: A guide for watching the World Cup final weekend in Costa Rica points fans to free and streaming options.

Human Tragedy: A Toledo, Ohio family is devastated after carbon monoxide poisoning killed a grandmother and her four young kids, with investigators saying levels inside the car were five times the lethal limit. Child Rights & Migration: Costa Rica faces a humanitarian crisis as indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé children from Panama migrate to coffee plantations in Coto Brus, facing hazardous child labor, moldy overcrowded shelters, and risks tied to unregistered births. Tourism Infrastructure: Construction has started on the new San Lucas Island tourist pier in the Gulf of Nicoya, replacing a deteriorated platform to improve safer, more accessible arrivals and departures. Environment & Coastal Culture: Environmental groups launch “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” to protect coral reefs during El Niño’s expected heat surge, urging coastal communities and tourism operators to reduce pressures. Sports & Viewing Guide: World Cup weekend coverage is mapped for Costa Rica viewers, with free options via Teletica’s Canal 7 and streaming through local providers. Travel & Lifestyle: A wellness-travel trend spotlight includes Emora Health’s rise, while TTW highlights top food destinations across the Americas for 2026.

Tourism Infrastructure: Costa Rica has officially started construction on the new San Lucas Island tourist pier in the Gulf of Nicoya, replacing a deteriorated platform and aiming to improve safer, faster access for visitors, with capacity for up to four vessels at once. Climate & Nature Protection: A coalition is launching “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” to help coral reefs survive the next El Niño heat surge, urging coastal communities and tourism operators to cut pressures during the most stressful months from Oct. 2026 to Feb. 2027. Community Health & Learning: Nursing students returned after an outreach trip to indigenous villages in Argentina, delivering hands-on care and public health education—highlighting how cultural exchange and medical training can travel together. Sports Viewing for Locals: A guide to watching the World Cup final weekend from Costa Rica covers free and streaming options, keeping fans in the loop without late-night hassles. Public Safety: Costa Rica’s road deaths remain a major concern, with fatal accidents continuing to outpace homicides in recent figures.

Coral Reef Rescue: Costa Rica’s “United for Costa Rica’s Reefs” coalition is mobilizing coastal communities to cut reef stress during El Niño-driven heat, targeting the Oct 2026–Feb 2027 window with a “Life Is Better in Color” push. Wildlife & Climate Science: A new long-running study on Costa Rica’s white-faced capuchins finds extreme climate events can shrink food access for big groups, reshaping social behavior as conditions worsen. Road Safety Alarm: A report warns Costa Rica’s road deaths are outpacing homicides, with 903 fatalities logged by year-end and projections pointing toward 1,000+ in 2026. Luxury Tourism Investment: Mohari Hospitality bought Gencom’s 30% stake to become sole owner of Peninsula Papagayo, signaling a new phase for the North Pacific luxury resort community. Sports Viewing for Locals: Teletica’s Canal 7 will carry the World Cup final and third-place match in Costa Rica, with streaming options via Fox+ and TDMAX. Community & Culture: Pride Journey highlights LGBTQ+ culture in Costa Rica, while a separate piece spotlights Afro-Caribbean cinema and female filmmakers set for a Costa Rica film festival. Immigration Enforcement: Costa Rica tightens immigration enforcement in the Central Valley, as an immigration official is also reported arrested for facilitating entry linked to terrorism.

Archaeology & Heritage: Costa Rica’s planned Southern International Airport is moving forward after a rescue excavation in the Diquís Delta found new pre-Columbian everyday-life evidence (hearths, pottery, house postholes) from AD 800–1500, with officials saying the iconic monumental remains won’t be affected. Nature & Climate: A new study on Costa Rica’s white-faced capuchin monkeys shows extreme climate events can disrupt group life and food access, sometimes leaving big groups hungry while smaller groups cope better. Wildlife Conservation: Sea turtle conservation efforts highlight how bycatch, plastic pollution, coastal development, and illegal harvesting still threaten survival—reminding us that protection has to keep evolving. Road Safety: Costa Rica’s traffic deaths remain a cultural and public-health crisis, with road fatalities continuing to outpace homicides in recent comparisons. Sports & Community: A look at how major events shape local identity—KC’s World Cup experience is fueling hopes for the Women’s World Cup, with fans pointing to welcome, culture, and lasting momentum. Travel Culture: Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys are expanding for 2028, including “Costa Rica by Sea: Wildlife and Rainforests of the Pacific Coast,” pairing expert-led context with Pacific coast exploration.

Regional Security & Culture Exchange: CENTAM Guardian 26 in El Salvador trained multinational Urban Search and Rescue and disaster-response teams, with Costa Rica among partner countries using language and cultural skills to coordinate action. Wildlife & Climate Behavior: A new Costa Rica study finds extreme climate events can disrupt white-faced capuchin social life, shifting group sizes and food access. Sea Turtle Conservation: Sea turtle hatchlings face predators, heat, and funding cuts, while one conservation group pushes back with renewed protection efforts. Public Safety Tragedy: A grandmother and two children died after carbon monoxide was detected in a parked vehicle in Toledo, underscoring the hidden dangers of vehicle exhaust. Costa Rica Heritage Under Pressure: Archaeologists completed a rescue excavation for the planned Southern International Airport, uncovering daily-life evidence in the Diquís Delta while confirming key monumental remains won’t be impacted. Weather & Health: Saharan dust plus a midsummer heat wave is expected to raise temperatures and reduce rainfall, with air-quality risks for children, seniors, and people with respiratory issues. Immigration Enforcement: Costa Rica arrested an immigration official at Juan Santamaría Airport accused of facilitating irregular entry linked to a terrorist organization. Luxury Tourism Investment: Mohari Hospitality bought Gencom’s stake to become sole owner of Peninsula Papagayo, signaling a new phase for the North Pacific resort destination. Food & Lifestyle Spotlight: A Costa Rica coconut milk shrimp recipe makes the rounds as summer travel and wellness content keeps flowing.

Archaeology & Heritage: Costa Rica’s Southern International Airport rescue excavation in the Diquís Delta uncovered everyday-life traces of stone-sphere builders, including hearths, pottery fragments, and two occupation phases (c. AD 800–1200 and 1300–1500), with officials saying the project won’t disturb the region’s iconic monumental remains. Immigration & Security: A DGME official at Juan Santamaría International Airport was arrested for allegedly altering computer systems and irregularly stamping a passport to facilitate entry of a foreigner linked to a terrorist organization. Culture & Film: The Costa Rica Film Festival (July 23–Aug 1) returns in San José with a theme of “Cinema That Unites Us,” spotlighting Afro-Caribbean cinema and female filmmakers, plus Costa Rican entries in its Central American and Caribbean Feature Film Competition. Public Safety: Traffic Police fined 472 drivers in the first half of the year for not using child safety seats, reminding families to match restraints to a child’s age, weight, and height. Tax & Customs: President Laura Fernández announced a plan to fight smuggling and tax evasion without raising taxes, including stronger controls under a proposed General Customs Law reform. LGBTQ+ Culture: A feature highlights Costa Rica’s LGBTQ+ culture and progress, including same-sex marriage legalization in 2020 and growing community visibility.

Costa Rican Culture & Film: The Costa Rica Film Festival (July 23–Aug 1) returns in San José with “Cinema That Unites Us,” spotlighting Afro-Caribbean cinema and female filmmakers, plus Central American and Caribbean competition entries featuring local titles like “Abril,” “Si no ardemos cómo iluminar la noche,” and “Dama de las mil máscaras.” Local Governance & Culture: President Laura Fernández announced a plan to fight smuggling and tax evasion without raising taxes, including customs law reforms aimed at tightening controls on goods entering and leaving the country. Public Safety: Traffic Police fined 472 drivers in six months for not using child safety seats, reminding families that the right restraint depends on a child’s age, weight, and height. Weather & Lifestyle: Saharan dust, la canícula, and El Niño conditions are expected to intensify heat and reduce rainfall through August, with air-quality impacts most risky for children and older adults. Immigration & Integrity: A DGME official at Juan Santamaría Airport was arrested for allegedly facilitating irregular entry of a foreigner linked to a terrorist organization. Wellness & Longevity: A new look at Blue Zone life highlights how people in Nicoya (Costa Rica) handle stress differently—supporting longer, healthier aging.

Immigration & Labor Rights: Costa Rica is tightening immigration enforcement in the Central Valley, while Frente Amplio pushes a bill to let workers choose their vacation dates instead of employers deciding. LGBTQ+ Culture: A new spotlight highlights Costa Rica’s LGBTQ+ progress, from same-sex marriage legalization in 2020 to growing queer nightlife and anti-discrimination efforts. Film & Media Industry: Costa Rica’s Media Market continues to draw global attention, with producers discussing how local crew and talent help international studios choose filming locations. Public Health & Travel Safety: Health officials and lawmakers are raising alarms about cyclosporiasis and food safety funding, and separate travel warnings flag methanol poisoning risks for tourists. Wildlife & Community Tourism: Whale-watching and marine tour businesses are changing hands, with promises to keep local partnerships and respect for Indigenous and environmental groups. Sports Culture: World Cup fans are turning “Country Roads” into a stadium anthem, showing how music travels with sports fandom. Arts & Performance: A dancer’s career arc is ending in his prime, reflecting the pressures of fitting into traditional ballet aesthetics.